The Spurs started the day with the devastating news of Victor Wembanyama getting ruled out for the season after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis. Amid the heartbreaking update, they had to remain focused on tonight’s clash against the Suns. So, the San Antonio fanbase desperately wanted something to cheer about at this difficult time. It’s truly heartbreaking and we wish him well. But for now, Chris Paul’s latest accomplishment provided positivity amongst the fans.

In the early minutes of tonight’s game, CP etched his name in NBA history by becoming the sole second-rank holder on the list of All-time Steals leaders. Yes, the Point God now has 2,685 career steals, surpassing Jason Kidd, and standing ahead of legendary defenders including Michael Jordan, Gary Payton, and LeBron James. Right now, only Jock Stockton stays ahead with 3265 steals.

Surely, that solidifies CP as one of the highest IQ players ever, and as Charles Barkley calls him “the best leader in the NBA” today. Hopefully, this achievement will bring some joy for Paul on a day that has otherwise been heartbreaking.

It was evident how much Wemby’s season-ending diagnosis impacted the veteran point guard, as he confessed ahead of the game, “Man, it’s been extremely tough, to say the least. Especially with this organization and how they put everything into perspective.”

Well, the last few months have been challenging for the Spurs. Just three months ago, tragedy struck them when Gregg Popovich suffered a mild stroke and had to take an indefinite leave of absence from his head coaching job. Although he has started rehabilitation and is expected to recover completely, it is uncertain when he will return to his role. And now, Wemby’s season-ending halfway only adds to the franchise’s misery.

Obviously, CP was emotional about it as he said, “I think for us we know we got a job to do, but just like anybody we worry about our people.” But his achievement could help ease the fans’ pain as they reacted on social media.

NBA World deems Chris Paul “HOF Bound” after surpassing Jason Kidd

Sure enough, the hoop community was elated after Paul’s historic feat and comments like “High-level thievery” and “Great achievement, future HOF bound!” began flooding in. A netizen even deemed him a “PICK POCKET.” While calling someone a thief is disrespectful in most scenarios, for CP, it’s a nod to his genius basketball mind.

Sure, he has never won a championship. But he has made every team he has been a part of better. From creating Lob City with the Clippers to leading the Suns to the NBA Finals, he has left a footprint everywhere he’s gone. And that makes him a future Hall of Famer. And playing defense at a high level makes him a superstar.

If you look at his numbers, the pick-pocket supremo of the NBA averages 2.0 steals in his entire career. The highest average he achieved was during the 2008-09 season, where he fetched 2.8 steals. Those numbers are ridiculous. Using your quick hands to deflect the ball away from the opponent or steal the ball is an art in the NBA. Only a few can master it and Chris Paul is one!

While most fans praised CP, one was reminded of Wemby’s injury, wondering what could have been, “It sucks that Wemby got hurt.” Yes, the Wemby-Paul combo could have done serious damage in the second half as the Spurs hoped to make a playoff push. The pick-and-roll potential the two possess brings back the Lob City Clippers image.

But that can no longer happen with Victor out. Meanwhile, one netizen pointed out that second place is the highest Chris is going to go on the Steals leaders list, “Damn John Stockton really doesn’t get talked about enough.” It’s pretty obvious, isn’t it?

Yes, the only player ahead of CP3 in picking someone’s pocket is Jazz legend John Stockton, with 3,265 steals. And no player is even close to taking the number one spot from him. While Paul is the closest, he is unlikely to reach that mark because he is 39 years old and will probably hang his boots before that happens.

So, 2 place could be where he ends his career. A historic feat nevertheless. Do you agree?